Facebook (Nadine)
Rugby legend, Derrick Hougaard has opened his eyes after spending nearly two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Tshwane.
The player, known as the "Liefling of Loftus" has been in a coma and on a ventilator at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital where he is being treated for respiratory pneumonia.
His girlfriend, singer Nadine has been updating the public on her official Facebook page, thanking supporters for their prayers and well wishes.
Earlier this week she announced that Hougaard's left lung had collapsed followed by a collapse of the bottom part of his right lung a few days later.
On Thursday, Nadine shared the good news about Derick opening his eyes, and responding to this his new antibiotics.
She said the Bulls legend was also responding to questions and showing good brain function.
Although he is still being treated for other complications, his sedation has been reduced.
Nadine said that Hougaard was unable to speak due to the pipes in his throat but indicated that he was tired and still in pain.
Hougaard played over 100 games for the Bulls between 2002 and 2008.
In the 2002 Currie Cup final against the Golden Lions, Hougaard broke Naas Botha's 15-year record for points scored in a Currie Cup final, scoring 26 points, two more than Botha’s record.
He made his test debut for the Springboks during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, when he was 20 years old.
